NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
18 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10596694
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
I OWN A 2001 VW JETTA. I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO, USED FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS SOLD AS A "CERTIFIED" AUTO, WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER DOES NOT MEAN MUCH. MY TRUNK IS LOCKED SHUT AND DOES NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE CV BOOTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION AND NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT,…
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I OWN A 2001 VW JETTA. I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO, USED FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS SOLD AS A "CERTIFIED" AUTO, WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER DOES NOT MEAN MUCH. MY TRUNK IS LOCKED SHUT AND DOES NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE CV BOOTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION AND NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND BLINKER BULBS. AND TODAY ONE OF MY HEADLIGHTS IS SO DIM, IT DOESN'T REALLY PROVIDE ANY LIGHT WHEN IT IS DARK. I HAVE REPLACED IT AND REPLACED IT. IT STAYS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AND THEN JUST DIMS OUT AGAIN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING IT TO VOLKSWAGEN. IT'S A RIP OFF AND THEY DON'T EVEN FIX ANYTHING RIGHT ANYWAY. MY ENGINE FAN WENT OUT ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE OTHER DAY, CAUSING THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THAT ISN'T THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT TOWED. THE INTERIOR PLASTIC COATING ON ARMRESTS AND ALL PLASTIC INSIDE IS PEELING AND LOOKS TERRIBLE. WHEN I PUSH UNLOCK ALL DOORS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACK SEAT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UNLESS I REACH INSIDE AND PULL THE LOCK OPEN MANUALLY. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE, BUT I DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY TIME. I KNOW NOTHING WILL HAPPEN, EVEN THOUGH IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT THESE CARS ARE COMPLETE LEMONS, AND THEY NEED TO STOP SELLING THEM TO PEOPLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237307
90,000 miles · Jul 22, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages
MY TRUNK RELEASE WILL NOT WORK, WITH OR WITHOUT THE REMOTE KEY. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY REFUSE TO INDICATE THIS IS A DEFECT, EVEN THOUGH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ARE FOUND ONLINE BY OTHER VW OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235278
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS B…
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NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE (OUT OF WARRANTY) AND NOW LATCH DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO THE INSIDE RELEASE ON DRIVER DOOR; DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO CONTROL ON DRIVER DOOR (THE OTHER THREE DOOR LOCKS ARE PRESENTLY FUNCTIONING); INTERIOR COATING ON PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES AND CENTER CONSOLE BEGAN TO PEEL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF DELIVERY; CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKE LONG AGO; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON/OFF SPORADICALLY (BROUGHT CAR TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC BUT PROBLEM UNDIAGNOSED); A WAX SUBSTANCE WAS CONSTANTLY RUNNING INTO DOORWELLS; VW DEALER REPLACED COIL, CABLES AND BUFFER IN RESPONSE TO ROUGH ENGINE IDLE COMPLAINT AND I INCURRED ALL COSTS AND INCONVENIENCE OF CAR IN SHOP , THIS AT 72,000 MILES,HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED; TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED; NOW I HEAR OF A BRAKE LIGHT RECALL AND AN EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I AM JUST REALIZING RECENTLY THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH MY JETTA PROBLEMS, THAT NUMEROUS JJETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ( I RESEARCHED ON INTERNET) . VW CUSTOMER SERVICE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220476
58,000 miles · Mar 9, 2007
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
CONTINUING PROBLEM-RANDOM OCCURRENCES: ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS UNEXPECTED OCCASIONS WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION BY REMOTE LOCKING KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK WITH DRIVER OR PASSENGER(S) INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE OR OPEN DOORS WILL…
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CONTINUING PROBLEM-RANDOM OCCURRENCES: ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS UNEXPECTED OCCASIONS WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION BY REMOTE LOCKING KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK WITH DRIVER OR PASSENGER(S) INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE OR OPEN DOORS WILL TRIGGER THE ALARM AFTER THE DOORS HAVE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED AND ARMED. STARTER IS DISABLED WHEN ALARM IS TRIGGERED. SAFETY CONCERN FROM BEING LOCKED OUT OF CAR UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR HAS LOCKED WITH KEYS IN THE CAR AND DRIVER OUTSIDE OF CAR, SUCH AS AT GAS STATION FILLING TANK. PANIC IS INDUCED WHEN DRIVER INADVERTENTLY TRIGGERS THE ALARM WHEN TRYING TO START THE ENGINE WHILE UNAWARE THAT THE CAR HAS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED ITSELF AND ARMED THE ALARM. FEAR OF SMALL CHILD BEING TRAPPED INSIDE CAR WHEN AUTO LOCKING/AUTO ARMING OCCURS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184615
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
DRIVER SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONS. IT DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO WHEN DONE WITH REMOTE OR WHEN CAR REACHES SPEED FOR AUTO-LOCK FEATURE. MAY LOCK WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AS WELL-- LOCKING YOU IN VEHICLE AND/OR SETTING OFF ALARM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10175252
62,000 miles · Apr 1, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages
I DRIVE A 2001 VW JETTA. AS I OPENED MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT TODAY, THE HANDLE INCLUDING THE LOCK MECHANISM FELL INTO MY HAND. IT JUST BROKE OFF RIGHT THEN AND THERE. I DO NOT USE MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT OFTEN SO IT IS NOT FROM WEAR AND TEAR. MY ISSUE IS THAT NOW THERE IS A HOLE IN MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT. IF SOMEONE WAS THINKING ABOUT…
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I DRIVE A 2001 VW JETTA. AS I OPENED MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT TODAY, THE HANDLE INCLUDING THE LOCK MECHANISM FELL INTO MY HAND. IT JUST BROKE OFF RIGHT THEN AND THERE. I DO NOT USE MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT OFTEN SO IT IS NOT FROM WEAR AND TEAR. MY ISSUE IS THAT NOW THERE IS A HOLE IN MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT. IF SOMEONE WAS THINKING ABOUT BREAKING IN, THIS COULD BE THE DECIDING FACTOR FOR THEM KNOWING THAT THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT IS COMPLETELY ACCESSIBLE AND AT TIMES THERE ARE VALUABLES LOCATED IN COMPARTMENTS AS WELL AS TRIGGER SWITCHES TO TRUNKS AND IN SOME CASES EVEN SPARE KEYS TO THE CAR OR A PERSON'S HOME! I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THOSE ITEMS IN THE COMPARTMENT, BUT SOMEONE COULD BE INTRIGUED ENOUGH TO TRY TO BREAK IN. I CONTACTED THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND VOLKSWAGEN AND THE MOST THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED WAS 25% DISCOUNT TO FIX IT. JUST NOT ENOUGH TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10154347
907,000 miles · May 11, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
DT: HOOD LATCH ABOUT 05/01/05 THE SAFETY FEATURE OF HOOD LATCH, WHICH PREVENTS HOOD FROM OPENING INADVERTENTLY FAILED. HOOD OPENED UP WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT LAND IN DRY WEATHER. WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35-40. ON A 4 LANE ROAD. DEALER IS INSTALLING NEW HOOD LATCH. HOOD LATCH IS BENT. THE ARM THAT HOLDS HOOD UP WHEN OPEN HAD TO BE REMOV…
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DT: HOOD LATCH ABOUT 05/01/05 THE SAFETY FEATURE OF HOOD LATCH, WHICH PREVENTS HOOD FROM OPENING INADVERTENTLY FAILED. HOOD OPENED UP WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT LAND IN DRY WEATHER. WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35-40. ON A 4 LANE ROAD. DEALER IS INSTALLING NEW HOOD LATCH. HOOD LATCH IS BENT. THE ARM THAT HOLDS HOOD UP WHEN OPEN HAD TO BE REMOVED. AND FURTHER COSMETIC DAMAGE HAS RESULTED DUE TO THE HOOD LATCH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10120658
66,300 miles · Jan 18, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages
ON OUR 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MODEL, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH FAILED WHICH IS TIED INTO THE ALARM, THE CABIN INTERIOR LIGHTS, OPEN DOOR WARNING CHIME, ETC. ON MOST AUTOMOBILES, THIS IS A SIMPLE SWITCH BUILT INTO THE DOOR JAMB. BUT ON THIS POORLY ENGINEERED VEHICLE, IT'S BUILT INTO THE DOOR LATCH IN THE DOOR, RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE…
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ON OUR 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MODEL, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH FAILED WHICH IS TIED INTO THE ALARM, THE CABIN INTERIOR LIGHTS, OPEN DOOR WARNING CHIME, ETC. ON MOST AUTOMOBILES, THIS IS A SIMPLE SWITCH BUILT INTO THE DOOR JAMB. BUT ON THIS POORLY ENGINEERED VEHICLE, IT'S BUILT INTO THE DOOR LATCH IN THE DOOR, RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE DOOR HAVING TO BE TAKEN APART TO GET TO THIS PART, A $250-350 REPAIR BILL. I CALLED 3 VW DEALERSHIPS TO GET ESTIMATES, AND ALL THREE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TOLD ME WITHIN THE FIRST MINUTE ON THE PHONE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THAT IT WAS FAIRLY COMMON. THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLES SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS, NOR SHOULD THIS MECHANISM HAVE EVER BEEN ENGINEERED INTO A PART THAT GETS SLAMMED SHUT REPEATEDLY DAY IN AND DAY OUT. AMAZING! WE ARE UNSURE IF THE LATCH ITSELF IS SAFE OR NOT AND HAVE DECIDED TO PARK THE VEHICLE. AS I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, I CALLED VW SERVICE REPS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT TO NO AVAIL. ANY HELP YOUR AGENCY CAN BE IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE HELPFUL. THIS ISN'T MY FIRST UNUSUAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. SINCERELY, TODD & GWEN WHATLEY TRI-CITIES, WA. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106555
36,980 miles · Dec 1, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
THIS SUMMER MY LEFT REAR DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE. IN LATE OCTOBER THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COLD AND RAINY DAY THIS NOVEMBER MY 2001 JETTA WITH 37000 MILES STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I RESTARTED AND COMPLETED MY TURN, THINKING I HAD JUST LET OUT THE CLUTCH TOO FAST. THE CAR WAS A BIT SLUGGI…
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THIS SUMMER MY LEFT REAR DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE. IN LATE OCTOBER THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COLD AND RAINY DAY THIS NOVEMBER MY 2001 JETTA WITH 37000 MILES STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I RESTARTED AND COMPLETED MY TURN, THINKING I HAD JUST LET OUT THE CLUTCH TOO FAST. THE CAR WAS A BIT SLUGGISH AND A 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 30 AND WAS SHOCKED NOT ONLY AT THE PROBLEMS BUT THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERERED BY ANY WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS OVER $1000 DOLLARS. THE IGNITION COIL PACK NEEDS REPLACED FOR $740. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDS REPLACED FOR $77. JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DOOR REQUIRES A CHARGE OF $188 DOLLARS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES ON YOUR WEBSITE. I GUESS I JUST HIT THE TRIFECTA.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100856
Official recalls
6Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
May 24, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Feb 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Sep 12, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5RQ06004 · Brake Light Switch Failure
Opened Feb 28, 2006 · Closed Aug 7, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
DP05004 · Engine Stalling
Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE04081 · Inadvertent SIDE-AIRBAG Deployment
Opened Dec 16, 2004 · Closed Apr 1, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.THE 97 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE MINOR IN NATURE AND CONSIST OF ABRASIONS, BRUISES, EAR RINGING AND HEADACHES.THERE WAS NO ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL CRASH AS A RESULT OF SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.ODI ALSO OBTAINED COUNTS OF ALLEGED INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FROM PEER MANUFACTURERS.THE DATA SHOWS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH ALLEGATIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR NON-SUBJECT INDIVIDUAL MODEL VEHICLES VARIES WIDELY.THE RATE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS COMPARABLE TO THREE PEER MODELS, EACH WITH COMPACT CHASSIS/WHEELBASES.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY COMPONENT FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING TREND THAT MAY RELATE TO A COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE04073 · Turn Signal/hazard Flasher Failure
Opened Oct 19, 2004 · Closed Dec 16, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
RQ03010 · Brake Light Switch
Opened Dec 17, 2003 · Closed Mar 1, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
THE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND MANUFACTURER FAILURE REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING AND OR INACCURATE INFORMATION.THE INJURY NOTED ABOVE WAS MINOR.ON FEBRUARY 26, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) SUBMITTED A DEFECT NOTIFICATION (PER 49CFR573) TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 - 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES MANUFACUTURED WITH THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AS RECALLED UNDER 03V-265 (MY 1998-2002 NEW BEETLE) ARE AFFECTED BY A SAFETY DEFECT.SPECIFICALLY, IF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD STAY ILLUMINATED CONTINUALLY EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF VEHICLE BRAKING, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF A REAR END COLLISION AND OCCUPANT INJURY.ACCORDINGLY, VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING JETTA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1998 TO NOVEMBER 2001 TO INSPECT AND REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE ANY AFFECTED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES.THE RECALL PROGRAM, VW CODE WX, WILL COMMENCE IN APRIL 2004.
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